Stop using this shit already

The linked PDF is the EU’s proposal to amend the current ADR¹ policy. One favorable change for consumers is that traders will have a duty to respond to the ADR agencies. But I also see regressions for consumers. E.g. the EU wants to remove the requirement that traders inform consumers about ADR entities. I only read the first 6 pages or so but it looks like the changes will overall weaken consumer protection.

I try to consume as little as possible and live somewhat as a minimalist. But I still get ripped off plenty and want protection. OTOH, I wonder if weakened consumer protections will perhaps create more minimalists who ditch their consumerist habits out of frustration with lack of protections.

¹ alternative dispute resolution

Attribution: Icon via Flaticon by bsd: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icons/shopping-restriction

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I have been collecting free resources I come across! Know of one not listed? Please share it for everyone 😊

Note: While I have tried most of these, I have not tried all of them. Please do some research before downloading anything. !

📸Photo Editing and Digital Art:

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• Krita: Open source free program
• Light Brush: a web-based drawing program
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• PhotoPea: online (no download) alternative to photoshop
• GIMP: photoshop alternative program
• Blender: pro-level 3D creation software
• OpenToonz: animation
• Inkscape: Free open-sourced program for Vector format files
• Vectr: Create and export vector graphics as SVG or PNG files.
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• Free Cad Free version of AutoCAD
• Seamly2D: A program for creating fabric patterns

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I think it was the prime minister (or spokesperson) who made this very clever argument: (paraphrasing) “we are not taking away choice… cigarettes are designed to inherently take away your choice by trapping you in an addiction.”

I’m not picking sides here, just pointing out a great piece of rhetoric to spin the policy as taking away something that takes away your choice. Effectively putting forward the idea that you don’t have choice to begin with.

(sorry to say this rhetoric was not mentioned in the linked article; I just heard it on BBC World Service)

source

>As we reach the end of our Christmas reality check, the cynical contradictions of Christmas stand glaringly exposed. Despite its image as a season of joy and giving, Christmas in its current form is fraught with issues that extend far beyond its religious and cultural roots. The holiday's deeply ingrained consumerism not only exacerbates economic disparities but also contributes to environmental degradation on a massive scale. Beyond the tangible impacts, Christmas exerts a considerable psychological toll, amplifying stress, loneliness, and mental health challenges. The physical health of individuals and the strain on public health systems can't be ignored either, with marked increases in health emergencies and lifestyle-related ailments during this period.

Consumerism is part of the climate problem and perhaps more so a waste disposal problem. Consumerism probably cannot be stopped but it can be reduced. It’s disturbing in the current climate that #BlackFriday still exists. To encourage the kick-off of mass consumption a month before Christmas likely does a lot damage.

I suppose cancelling Black Friday would be impossible in the US (where I suspect it started). A large number of democrats would oppose it and probably every single republican in the US would fight to their death an anti-consumerism action like that.

But what about Europe? Doesn’t Belgium and Netherlands restrict store-wide sales to just two weeks or so out of the year? For Europe, perhaps instead of cancelling it (which many would view as over-interventionist) they could double the VAT rates on that day on clothes and electronics. IDK.. that’s probably crazy talk. Ideas welcome. There’s no real issue with sales on services, but consumption of goods is where the damage is done.

I hate the idea that one of the most environmentally reckless companies in the world (#Amazon) gets a huge boost in sales on Black Friday. It makes the day depressing to see the masses rush to enrich a company they should be boycotting all year. I loved Black Friday back in the days when I was a loose cannon consumerist myself. Now it’s just a shit day where I deliberately avoid shops in order to not support it.

UPDATE

To be clear, I would not propose cancelling the unofficial holiday US employers often give on Black Friday. Just the sales.